Redspot Survey

Frequently Asked Questions

General questions

RACV represents over 2 million Victorians, and has a member in three out of every four households (on average) in Victoria. Our aim is to deliver valued benefits to members by informing and representing members’ interests, providing assistance when in need and delivering great family experiences.

A Redspot is a location on the road or public transport network with unnecessary or excessive congestion that potentially makes road users ‘see red’. Redspots may be an intersection, part of a road, railway crossing, along a bus or tram route or somewhere else.

The Redspot Survey is a snapshot of Victoria’s most frustrating traffic jams. In our most recent survey in 2014, more than 8,300 motorists and public transport users told us about the sites that made them frustrated. The survey has run since 1991. The 2016 Redspot Survey runs from 23 May until 26 June 2016.

No. A Redspot is a location of congestion nominated by the public. It is based on people’s perception of congestion at various locations. This does not necessarily mean that they are the most congested sites in Victoria. Rather, the public believes that at these locations they encounter unnecessary or excessive congestion.

VicRoads Black Spot program is based upon data that shows where crashes frequently occur. This program addresses individual sites that require attention due to the increased number of crashes, and is a reactive approach to road safety. Details are available online on the Australian Government website www.nationbuildingprogram.gov.au/funding/blackspots/.

Congestion increases travel time and vehicle operating costs, with run-on effects that impact on the entire economy. Congestion costs in Melbourne were estimated to be $4.6 billion in 2015 and this is projected to rise to $9-10 billion by 2030.*

Results questions

The results are analysed by RACV transport engineers and discussed with the road authorities, VicRoads, local Councils and Public Transport Victoria, so they are aware of the locations where the public perceives there are inadequacies on the road network. The results of the Redspot Survey are referred to by the road and public transport authorities when setting budgets for road funding. The results of the Redspot Survey 2016 may be used in the lead up to the upcoming federal election.